Commenting on the world from the Rubbery City - Akron Ohio

Monthly Archives: July 2011

While you’re out enjoying the summer sun and having some fun, don’t forget to share the gift of life with people in need.

The Red Cross is in a critical blood shortage and donors are needed. Your blood or platelet donation this July during Disaster Education Awareness Month can help build a blood supply strong enough to meet ongoing and emergency needs. Remember you can donate whole blood every 56 days.

I’ve been donating since I was a teenager. Donations take about 30 minutes. I especially like giving at the center on Market Street for the comfy donation loungers and the air conditioning!

You can book an appointment online at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org

Some statistics from the Red Cross:

Help save the day!

One out of 10 people admitted to the hospital needs blood products.

When disaster strikes, blood needs can be immense – and immediate.

The Red Cross has the unique ability to move blood around the country through it’s National Inventory Management System.

All blood types are needed, but people with type O have a special gift to give.

O how we need you.

Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type.

Type O positive can be transfused to patients with any positive blood type—or about 8 out of 10 people

Hospitals use type O negative blood in most emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

About 40 percent of people have type O positive and 7 percent have type O negative.

I was thinking about the first space shuttle launch I saw on TV in the spring of 1982. It was an international event at my household. We had a German exchange student staying with us and it was her first day in our home. We watched the launch together in amazement.

I spoke no German. Her English was awkward. One of the few times in life when being speechless at the profundity of an event was perfectly fine. Our smiles to each other & pointing at the television screen in delight was expression enough.

How much smaller the world has grown since then. Still that bright blue ball in the sky for the astronauts, but now we too can have a world view.

I can listen & discuss the news of the world on programs like “World Have Your Say” on the BBC or Twitter feeds.

I can translate a webpage from a one language to another with free software

I can watch what’s happening in the International Space station on a web feed

I can attend a class remotely in real time

And yet with changes in the speed and scope of our ability to communicate, its still those direct communincations and interactions that mean the most.

Getting a birthday card in the mail or even better a cake made for you!

Talking to family near & far

Enjoying the friendships in your neighbourhood

Throwing ball in the yard with your kids

A face to face conversation with a friend

A house party to celebrate summer

A thoughtful friend’s ear to hear me out & give advise

The joy of playing with a beloved pet

The sights, sounds and sensations of being out in nature

I’m appreciative of all the technology that’s come along since those early NASA Space Shuttle flights but it’s nice to know there’s some things that technology can’t improve.
Eagerly awaiting the next chapter in our trip to the stars….
Mair